Easy (Elementary School):
* cat
* dog
* sun
* rain
* tree
* house
* bird
* flower
* happy
* jump
Medium (Middle School):
* believe
* receive
* neighbor
* mischievous
* rhythm
* conscience
* guarantee
* accommodate
* fluorescent
* lieutenant
Hard (High School/Adult):
* idiosyncrasy
* ophthalmologist
* queue
* sacrilegious
* effervescence
* nomenclature
* reconnaissance
* ubiquitous
* irascible
* supersede
Tips for Choosing Words:
* Consider etymology: Words with Greek or Latin roots often pose challenges.
* Focus on different phonetic patterns: Include words with tricky vowel sounds, silent letters, and unusual spellings.
* Use a word list: There are many published spelling lists available online and in bookstores specifically designed for spelling bees and contests.
* Vary word length and syllable count: Avoid a list with only short words or only long words.
* Proofread carefully: Double-check the spellings of all the words you choose!
Remember to tailor the difficulty to the participants' abilities. A good spelling contest should challenge participants but not be impossible. Good luck!